Highlights
Dynastic monument of the House of Wittelsbach
- Artist
- Johann Andreas Thelott, Christoph Dorsch
- Locality
- Augsburg and Nuremberg
- Date
- c. 1726/1729
- Material
- Silver, gilded, gold, enamel, semi-precious stones, mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell
- Dimensions
- H. 77.9 cm
- Location
- Gallery 38
- Inventory Number
- R 5106
- Acquisition
- Assigned from the treasury of the Munich Residence in 1865
- Epoch
- Baroque and Rococo
- Categories
- Goldsmithing
Description
This magnificent, colourful piece of jewellery art is a testimony to the political propaganda of the House of Wittelsbach, commissioned by the Bavarian Elector Karl Albrecht after his accession to power. In an altar-like structure, the commemorative plaque shows 63 miniature portraits of Bavarian rulers and their legendary predecessors, including Charlemagne. The family tree was intended to legitimise Karl Albrecht's imperial status. Johann Andreas Thelott, one of the most important goldsmiths of Augsburg, was responsible for the execution. The chalcedony gemstones were supplied by Christoph Dorsch, a Nuremberg glass and stone cutter who specialised in portraiture.
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